Roots and Wings October 2022 Edition

Filipino Magazine in Europe

A Ripple of Hope

BY MAR JEFFERSON GO

October 2022 Volume 12 Issue 6

From the Editor

O

ur cover story is no ordinary story. Roots & Wings is privileged to publish UK-based screenwriter and filmmaker Ramon Tenoso who bagged Cannes Best Short Documentary Director and a host of 8 other international awards for his film Katagman in Ilonggo.

On the arts, Rawmags has become an important exhibition platform for artists in and out of the Philippines. We take pleasure in hosting Bangkok-based artist Mar Jefferson Go this time. His support of our Art for a Cause, like Victor Cantal, allows our vocational and technical students in Palawan and Negros Occidental complete an education and eventually land a dream job.

This autumn issue is bursting to the seams with remarkable articles on hardworking and creative entrepreneurs, artists, motivators, book writers like Rawmags Donna Künzler, and social project sponsors such as Maxicare, Italpinas and Boracay’s Hotel Celeste. Scroll through the pages, bookmark what attracts you and share this link rawmags.com to family and friends.

For our December / January 2023 edition, I’m sending out an invitation to you, dear Rawmags readers to send us your unforgettable Christmas experience in 50 words along with a couple of high-resolution photos. Email to rawmags. betsy@gmail.com latest by 30 November.

Look forward to publishing your Christmas stories.

Betsy Jance von Atzigen Switzerland

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Editorial Team

Roots&Wings

Meet the Team

Betsy Jance von Atzigen

Rachel Hansen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER SWEDEN

Marthy Angue ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Rebecca Urbancik Garcia

Ralph Chan

Jennifer Fergesen

ASSOCIATE EDITOR GERMANY/CZ

BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde

Aimee Alado -Blake

Katrina Larida

Jeffrey Cabuay

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr.

Mye Mulingtapang

BUREAU EDITOR RUSSIA

BUREAU EDITOR UNITED KINGDOM

BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

BUREAU EDITOR SPAIN

BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

Donna Patricia Manio

Donna Avellana Künzler

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal

Luz Bergersen

Marizel Arambulo

Becky Torres

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

BUREAU EDITOR NORWAY

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Lyndy Bagares WEB EDITOR NORWAY

Anton Miguel D. De Vera HEAD OF SOCMED AUSTRIA

Apiong Bagares DESIGN

Feedback Page

Would you like to join our Rawmags Team?

What do you think of our magazine? Email rawmags.betsy@gmail.com

Volunteer roles now open for Bureau Editor Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey. Email rawmags.betsy@gmail.com

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www.rawmags.com Roots&Wings

Roots&Wings Roots&Wings Filipino Magazine in Europe Published by Rachel Publishing Co. Stockholm, Sweden / St Gallen, Switzerland 2009-2022

Editorial Team

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CLICK TITLE TO OPEN PAGE

Contents COVER STORY Ramon Tenoso bags Cannes World Film Best Director Documentary Short p6 ART Mar Jefferson Go (boatpaperplane) p9 BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS The Journey Beyond Fashion - Ditta Sandico p13 Mithi & Co.­­-The New Balikbayan Box p15 Erlita Terte- The Overseas Fabulous Pinay Winemaker p18 CULTURE "Quezon's Game" Screened at ASEAN+3 Film Festival in Prague p21 Catching Up with Ryan Arbilo p23 An Afternoon introducing the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in Prague p25 Halamanan sa Barangay Center p27 COMMUNITY Celebrating Feast of God the Father in Zürich p31 100 Miracles of the Blessed Mother Book Launch in the Philippines p32 JOBS Working as an IVF nurse and artist makes one more empathetic p34 DIRECTORY Philippine Embassies in Europe p38 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP A Letter of Gratitude to Victor Cantal p40 TRAVEL Quezon Province p41 Why is autumn so beautiful? p43 Autumn in Finnmark p44

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Table of Contents

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KATAGMAN’s Worldclass distinctions

UK

Ramon Tenoso BAGS CANNES WORLD FILM BEST DIRECTOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT AND A HOST OF INTERNATIONAL AWARDS BEST DIRECTOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT Cannes World Film Festival FRANCE

BEST DOCUMENTARY Best Shorts Competition U.S.A.

BEST DIRECTOR Gaw & DP Film Festival SCOTLAND

Best Soundtrack Gaw & DP Film Festival SCOTLAND

Best Production Design Tokyo Film Festival JAPAN

Best Short Documentary Sweden Film Awards SWEDEN

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY CINE PARIS FRANCE

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE CINE PARIS FRANCE

BEST SOUND DESIGN CINE PARIS FRANCE

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Cover Story

V

eteran Filipino filmmakers, directors, actors, and actresses in recent years have been awarded and honoured at Cannes World Film Festival.

This film season plucked an extraordinary Filipino playwright and artistic director who bagged multiple international awards, way more than an affirmation of the Filipino world class talent.

UK-based Ilonggo/Ogtonganon screenwriter and film director Ramon Castillanes Tenoso wrote and co-directed the film “KATAGMAN” in celebration of the 450th year of the founding of Oton, a first-class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. Due to the pandemic, the yearly lively and colourful festival was cancelled and replaced with something that was never done before – a visual presentation in film.

Founded in 1572, Oton is considered the oldest town in Panay Island. It is a rich colourful film showcasing the history of Oton through music, folk to

modern dances, the arts and theatre performances - from the death of Datu Paiburong and the golden mask, pagan beliefs, and rituals to the advent of Christianity and Babaylans’ resistance.

KATAGMAN the movie, has everything for its audience to enjoy. Commendably, it is a film written, directed, performed, and filmed in Oton by Ogtonganons themselves.

Ramon Castillanes Tenoso, playwright and artistic director Known as “Direk or Chie” to family and friends, Ramon is a British-Filipino playwright who started writing church and school plays at the age of 13. His film “CHAINED” won the Best Feature Film at the Falcon International Film Festival (November 2021).

Most likely the only active and prolific “pinoy” playwright in Europe, Direk Ramon has written 28 unique and original plays and 2 adaptations (30 in total) ranging from drama, muRoots&Wings

sical, comedy and horror-fantasy. He wrote at one stage, 3 full length plays in one year. He is the founder of Philippine Theatre UK, the only active British-Filipino community theatre in Europe that produces new original plays every year in London.

In February 2019, he initiated an overseas project dubbed “Long Distance Learning in Theatre Arts” and created a theatre group called Theatro Pilipinas in Manila where he remotely trained 20 volunteers from various ages and backgrounds using Skype and Messenger.

Direk Ramon holds a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines.

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In London, he studied Art Therapy, Counselling and Sociology and Religion at Birbeck College, University of London. He was the first Filipino to be awarded a high-profile management training position sponsored by the Independent Theatre Council, UK. Years of hard work and dedication to help and train others explore creativity through theatre arts was acknowledged with the prestigious Outstanding Ogtonganon Award (leader) 2018 for championing theatre arts. In May 2019, his high school Alma Mater awarded him “Outstanding Alumnus‘‘ for his contribution to Theatre Arts.

Apart from writing/directing

Cover Story

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theatre plays and films, Direk Ramon offers theatre arts workshops that develop Self-Confidence, Creative Thinking, Team Building, Leadership and Theatre Management to various groups and organizations such as educational institutions, artist guilds, local government agencies and youth groups.

Interested parties may connect with Ramon Tenoso at +44 09707987001, email ramontenoso@hotmail.com or visit FB Page Philippine Theatre UK. Roots & Wings is delighted to congratulate Direk Ramon Tenoso for the honour he has brought to Filipinos living abroad, to his municipality of Oton in the province of Iloilo and the Philippines.

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Cover Story

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THAILAND

ART FOR A CAUSE Mar Jefferson Go (boatpaperplane)

Mar Jefferson Go holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts major in Advertising Arts from the University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines.

He has multiple design awards in publication design. Mar is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand and is leading a creative team in SmartWork Media — a trade publication company that creates magazines for jewelry, pets, eye care, print and cannabis industries. Mar is passionate in the visual arts particularly in illustration and painting. As a visual artist, Mar is keen on using prismatic colors. He creates artworks that are figurative and metaphorical in nature. He draws inspiration mostly from his own emotions and experiences.

TOO MUCH TO THINK, TOO LITTLE TO SAY Watercolor on paper

36.8cm x 55.8cmm Artist Price

€ 170 www.marjeffersongo.com

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Art for a Cause

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THE INNER CHILD

Trying to make sense of what always felt like a burning world. To convince oneself that such innocence still exists. The kind that can see beauty amid the chaos. Oh, how the world keeps challenging such optimism.

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Art for a Cause

Acrylic and Watercolor on paper

40cm x 50cm 29cm x 41.5cm

€ 190

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FLIGHTLESS BIRD Oil on Wood Panel

64.77cm x 85cm Artist Price

€ 325

WORK IN PROGRESS Watercolor on paper

36.8cm x 55.8cm Artist Price

€ 170

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Art for a Cause

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FE & MARCELO

Dedicated to Marcelo and Fe who, in the year 2002, moved to the south in the hope of a better life. Who built a small home by the sea. Who did everything they could to raise a family notwithstanding the deprivation they were experiencing at that time. Who gave everything they had to protect their eight children from any form of harm. Who, through their example, taught their children how to be tough, how to be patient, and how to be kind.

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Art for a Cause

Acrylic on canvas

60cm x 80cm Artist Price

€ 620

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PHILIPPINES

"The Journey Beyond Fashion" - Ditta Sandico Interview by Rebecca Torres Images by Ditta Sandico

D

itta Sandico (DS) is the Wrap Artiste of the Philippines and a modern Filipiniana fashion designer who creatively transforms indigenous fibers into unique designs of beautiful wraps and colourful accessories.

She is multi awarded, a 2022 Gawad Yamang Isip Awardee, recognized in the WIN Conference (Women’s International Networking), in the Philippine AGRoots&Wings

ORA Awards in 2016 for her Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship - Small Scale Winner and a TOWNS awardee from the Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service Foundation.

What significant events in your life spurred your interest in the art of weaving natural fibers?

At a young age, our family vacation is spent in our country home with a cattle farm in Oriental Mindoro. During those trips, I was immersed in the intricacies of art of weaving by the indigenous Hanunuo Mangyans in the mountains of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.

After I graduated from the Wood Tobe Coburn Fashion School in New York, I pioneered in transforming the lowly abel, the blanket fabric sold in the Ilocos market, into fashionable daytime and evening wear, working with weavers from Santiago, Ilocos Sur to produce blue and white printed abel and later developed plaids, stripes and geometric patterns.

Collaborating with weaver Elisa Reyes of Santiago and embroiderers from Bulacan in the late 80s,

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I diversified into dressy clothes and barong tagalog using pina-lino. A few years later, I met Virgilio Apanti, a weaver from Catanduanes, who showed me his samples of abaca weaving. Working with artisans in a cooperative in Baras, Catanduanes, we provided training on natural dye extraction and advanced weaving techniques, making the abaca fabric silkier, more pliable and colourful.

This collaborative effort provided a sustainable livelihood to the women of over 200 families, thus, greatly contributing to the socioeconomic status of the fishing village in Catanduanes.

This is part of our corporate social responsibility in contributing to our own way in building the economy.

What are the natural fibers/materials that you have handpicked and experimented on which are the main fabrics in your designs?

We have been developing natural fabrics which are unmistakably Filipino, produced by local craftsmen in the Philippines, coming from Ilocos, Catanduanes and Mindoro. Among these natural fabrics are the pina-lino (delicate pineapple fiber and linen), banaca (combination of banana and abaca fibers) abeliloco (Ilokano handwoven cotton yarn), bananarayon, Mangyan habol (fabric made of cotton) and the seda-lino (silk-linen).

What are your design concepts for Ditta Sandico Wraps and Accessories?

My designs are simple yet elegant and timeless, colourful, stylish and subtly exotic with a worldwide appeal. Classic wraps can be worn in many novel ways of layering, tying, twirling, twisting and knotting. We adapt modern concepts and modify traditional fashion designs to fit the lifestyles of today’s women from across the globe. DITTA’s collection consists of clutches, evening bags and wrist bags and hats in glowing, rich colours made of banana fiber which has a natural structural form. The designs are stylish and finely detailed. The use of Philippine wood, mother of pearl and elements such as plaited ethnic motifs 14

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present its Philippine origin but with a universal appeal.

How did you overcome the challenges in your business during the twoyear lockdown due to the pandemic?

It was really a period of change of mindset in our business model. Our traditional instore retail outlets in the malls had to be closed because of less demand due to strict health protocols and shift to virtual events.

However, we had to continue, on a lesser scale, as so many rely on our business like the weavers where our Bolero Lala orders of the hand-woven banaca fabrics are their only source of livelihood.

To respond to the call of the times in showcasing our designs, we went into social media thru online selling What are your exciting plans with the opening up of the market and the resumption of face to face events?

In 2021, with more time in my hands, I re-discovered my love for painting when I was younger. As a visual artist, I executed my creative ideas artistically incorporating the materials of handwoven fabrics of my wrap designs into my paintings. The appreciation of my paintings by my clients has been encouraging.

“The Journey beyond Fashion” is my passion which I express in my designs and which I impart as a speaker in various forums - that we Filipinos should be proud to showcase our Philippine roots with the fashionable Filipiniana designs whereever we may be in the Philippines or anywhere around the world.

Instagram @dittasandico FB @DittaSandicoOfficial

www.dittachannel.com Roots&Wings

PHILIPPINES

Ieth Inolino-Idzerda

Niccolo Tuason

Sarah Fernandez

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Mithi & Co.­­— The New Balikbayan Box Text by Rebecca Urbančík Garcia

A

re you an avid online shopper? Thinking about what to gift family and friends abroad or in the Philippines? Many kababayans living abroad sometimes do not have the opportunity to go home to the Philippines to visit their loved ones. Enter Mithi & Co. Mithi means “earnest wish” in Filipino. By collaborating with local, artisanal, and conscious micro and small Filipino brands, Mithi & Co. aims to connect Filipinos all over the world through the delight of gifting, granting their earnest wish with thoughtful and curated gift boxes. By celebrating Filipino culture, craftsmanship, and entreRoots&Wings

preneurship, Mithi & Co. aims to inspire communities and deepen relationships.

I had the chance to speak with one of Mithi & Co.’s founders, Ieth Inolino-Idzerda to talk about the company's mission, the vision that started it all, and learn more about the variety of products offered.

Can you tell us more about Mithi & Co.?

At the height of the pandemic in 2020/2021, a lot of Filipinos abroad were unable to come home, missing family occasions and other celebrations. For those who couldn’t go home, they would send gifts or balikbayan boxes (gifting is a big Filipino custom and tradition). But then, the pandemic

dramatically delayed this. So we thought, what if Filipinos abroad can give gifts to their loved ones without the delay, saving time, energy, and money? This is how Mithi & Co. reimagined the nostalgic ‘balikbayan' and dubbed it as the new 'balikbayan box'. This time, it is local, conscious, and curated — giving the attention and revenue back to the Philippines/ Filipino SMEs. Mithi & Co. is a Philippine, SEC registered business whose platform, www.shopmithi.com, is created for Filipinos all over the world for an easy, safe, and convenient gift shopping experience.

The founders hail from diverse yet similar backgrounds, a common scenario of Filipinos all over

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the world. Ieth Inolino-Idzerda, Chief Executive Officer, is an immigrant in Europe and based in Amsterdam raising biracial kids.

Sarah Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer, based in Manila, is a daughter of an OFW who spent her childhood in the Middle East.

Niccolo Tuason, Chief Commercial Officer, who calls the Bay Area his home, is a second generation Filipino-American born and raised in California.

The products of Mithi & Co. are gift bundles that highlight the story of every brand. We are a discovery tool for unique finds, hidden gems, and amazing stories of local Filipino brands, artisans, and craftsmen. It is a place where people learn some of the best locally made products.

What was the vision behind starting Mithi & Co? Aside from what was mentioned, we want local brands to be on your gift list. When you shop at Mithi & Co., there is a gift for every person in your life — family, friends, work colleagues. We want to champion local and impactful Filipino brands. We believe that Filipino brands deserve worldwide attention and international recognition, and we want our platform to be a tool for that because our primary audience caters to Filipinos abroad. We want to show that Filipino brands can compete on a global scale.

"We believe that Filipino brands deserve worldwide attention and international recognition, and we want our platform to be a tool for that because our primary audience caters to Filipinos abroad. We want to show that Filipino brands can compete on a global scale."

Where do you source your products? Can you talk about some of the partners you work with?

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We are always on the lookout for the coolest local brands with a social impact. Our platform is an avenue to connect local products and ultimately their brand story to Filipinos all over the world. We are looking for unique and interesting products that inspire communities and deepen relationships.

Our criteria includes cause-driven (rooted in advocacy or works directly with the community); woman-owned brand; equal opportunity employer; founder is from an underrepresented group; artisanal and handmade; conscious and sustainable. We showcase the brand’s best sellers in one box, which is the gift bundle. So every bundle you give as a gift, the recipient is able to experience the essence and the impact of a particular local brand.

Some of the brands we work with includ: J Makitalo The brand was created by award winning jewelry designer Joyce Makitalo who works with third generation jewelry artisans, local tribes, and other Filipino communities such as the goldsmiths of Bulacan and the sculptors of Paete, Laguna. The artisanal creative expression is what sets the brand apart, driving them to their fullest potential with their own craft to bring about artful and finely crafted jewelry and sculptural objects.

Theo & Philo Theo & Philo proudly honors high quality local ingredients—from the cacao beans of Davao in Mindanao, where fertile land and temperate climates produce some of the best cacaos in the region, and the world-famous sugar of Bacolod—and the renowned craftsmanship of Filipinos as it shares the distinct culture and fearless flavors of the finest single-origin chocolates from the Philippines. Every bar of Roots&Wings

the award-winning and internationally recognized Theo & Philo chocolate is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to capture the rich heritage of the Filipinos.

Luid Lokal ‘Luid’ is a Kapampangan ( Filipino dialect) word for conservation and prolongation. It is equivalent to the Filipino word Mabuhay! ‘Lokal’ is a Filipino word for local, which means from a small area of a country. Luid Lokal sources its products from small makers in the Philippines to help them showcase their products to a bigger market and to help their livelihood. It aims to honor the heritage of our country and help the local communities directly by only offering products made in the Philippines, made by Filipinos. It also promotes sustainability by using sustainable raw materials, producing in small batches, and providing non-plastic products and packaging.

All About Cashew All About Cashew was founded in January 2021 to promote the versatility of co-founders Christine Labiano and Franciz Delos Reyes's favorite nut: cashew!

They started producing small batches of cashew butter in Antipolo City in the province of Rizal. Today, All About Cashew has approximately 20 unique items on sale. Ranging from their original and flavored cashew butter to cashew-based vegan parmesan and cheese dip.

Savonille Savonille’s story began when the founder was in search of a body bar that works for sensitive skin and could still offer the benefits of brightened, soft skin. It was on a mission to show that Filipino skincare products can be of high quality.

Its products are dermatologically-tested to be effective, yet gentle on your skin. It contains naturally good and vegan ingredients, free from parabens and sulfates.

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What is your ultimate goal for Mithi & Co.?

We want to bring Filipino culture to all parts of the world. We want to help usher in the next Filipino renaissance. We want to support the Philippine economy from the middle out — starting with small businesses. Why? Small businesses hire more, pay more taxes, offer more opportunities, and they keep their profits in the community.

Lastly, we are starting with our corporate/B2B offering. For anyone visiting companies that do business in the Philippines, we want to help by making it so that buying local should always be the first option.

Where can Filipinos abroad order products?

Filipinos from anywhere in the world can send gifts through our safe, secure, and easy-to-use platform, www.shopmithi.com. How does it work? They can choose from our selection of gift bundles. Then these gifts are lovingly packed in local hubs and delivered anywhere in the Philippines. Your gift arrives at the recipient's doorstep safe and sound (minus the sea sickness or cabin fever).

Unable to make it home to the Philippines or simply want to gift someone with curated local Philippine products? Be sure to check out Mithi & Co. We have a special treat for our Rawmags readers. Here’s a 15% exclusive discount, using the code RAWMAGS15 at checkout. Happy shopping!

Instagram: @shopmithi

www.shopmithi.com

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SWITZERLAND

Erlita Terte

THE OVERSEAS FABULOUS PINAY WINEMAKER

Erlita and partner Beat during the Weingärtli's first harvest PHOTO BY URS HANHART

Text by Donna Künzler

E

rlita Terte is the co-owner of Weingärtli winery, nestled in Ennetbürgen in the Swiss Canton of Nidwalden. Born and raised in Oscariz, Isabela, Erlita moved to Switzerland in the early 90’s after her studies and had practised as a nurse for 25 years before she became an entrepreneur.

Becoming a Winemaker Although Erlita loves to drink wine and especially enjoys visiting vineyards and wineries across Europe, she never had any interest in winemaking or in starting her own business.

However, when her partner Beat, who always 18

Business Entrepreneurs

dreamed of becoming a winemaker, could not acquire ownership to the agricultural piece of land (which was to become their vineyard) he bought a couple of years ago, little did she know that the small condition in the Swiss law will change her life dramatically. Erlita recalls, “Under the Swiss Law only Agriculturists (born or certified) can be in possession of such piece of land. Beat actually did study winemaking but did not get certified as he was not able to do the apprenticeships due to his full time job.

So he asked me if I wanted to study Viticulture.

I gave it a serious thought and decided to pursue it since I was also looking for something new after years of being a nurse, and I also love plants and gardening.

I became curious and that motivated me to go back to school.”

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Studying Viticulture Erlita then went back to school to pursue Viticulture at the Strickhof Wädenswil of Zurich’s University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

What exactly is Viticulture? Viticulture or winegrowing is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. It is a branch of the science of horticulture (Wikipedia).

Going back to school for Erlita was exciting but also came with challenges. Erlita recounts, “The first challenge was going back to school again sitting in a classroom with younger classmates and being the oldest in the class. The second was that lessons were conducted in the German language which was very difficult [and] third, as a woman at work doing the same work of a man was not really easy. The whole 2 years of school and work were the biggest challenges Roots&Wings

and difficulties I ever had in my whole life! It cost me a lot of tears and sweat, humiliation and pain.”

But what kept her going? Erlita tells of her traits that propelled her to success: My curiosity for something new, my big perseverance and endurance, ability to plan, organize and set priorities, being flexible. I also took the lead, showed interest and grabbed the initiative. I am hardworking, determined, and disciplined Part of her studies required Erlita to have apprenticeships with wineries to gain practical experience.

She fortunately got placements first at Hubervini, which is a pioneer of Merlot and Bourdeax in Switzerland, and then with Tenuta Bally, a winery that belongs to the Bally family of the fashion label Bally.

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Erlita at Weingärtli's first harvest

Studying Viticulture normally takes three years but in 2019, Erlita finished her diploma certificate in winemaking just in two years, owing to some subjects credited from her bachelor’s degree. Obtaining her diploma makes Erlita the first Filipina winemaker in Switzerland and perhaps Europe as well. She is definitely the ultimate plantita!

The Weingärtli The winery, with its name literally translating to “wine garden” or “an area where grapevines grow” has been around since the 1400s.

However when Erlita and Beat took ownership of the land, Erlita narrates, “After hundreds of years the vines have since vanished; we tried to cultivate again and we wanted to carry the same name for our business. Weingärtli is the first and as of now the biggest in canton Nidwalden to be registered by the Commission of Winemaking in Central Switzerland.”

While the grapes were grown in Weingärtli itself, the actual wine production happens in a rented facility in Ticino, on the Italian side of Switzerland. Erlita and Beat plan to have their own production facility within the winery in the future. Their production will concentrate on making sparkling wines.

The winery, with its rustic ambience complemented with the picturesque landscape of the lake, mountains and vineyard, can also be rented for events.

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The First Vendemmia Last month, after four years of nurturing the vineyard, it was finally time for Weingärtli’s first vendemmia. I was very fortunate to witness the winery’s first harvest. Most of the people who helped in the harvest were volunteers and a good number of them are from the Philippines — family and friends from different parts of Switzerland, as well as those from the Philippine Embassies in Bern and Geneva.

All the hard work paid off as two and a half tons of grapes were harvested from about 5,000 vines. This will yield to around 2,500 bottles of white wine Souvignier gris next year.

Looking Ahead While we wait for a year for the sparkling wine made from Weingärtli’s first harvest, the winery in the mean time is selling wine produced from Erlita’s apprenticeship. In the long term, the plan is to expand the vineyard to double its size, build the cellar for vinification and storage, and have a showroom for customers, guests and product marketing.

instagram: @weingaertli

www.weingärtli.ch Roots&Wings

CZECH REPUBLIC

"Quezon's Game" Screened at ASEAN+3 Film Festival in Prague Text by Rebecca Urbančík Garcia Quotes from the Philippine Embassy in Prague

T

he ASEAN+3 Film Festival in Prague was officially launched on September 1, with the participation of six ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, joined by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. This is the first ASEAN +3 film festival to be held in Prague.

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the official screening of the Philippine film “Quezon's Game” at the Maly Sal of the Prague Municipal Library on September 2.

Around 120 guests from the diplomatic corps, private sector, media and the general public attended the event.

In her welcome remarks, Chargé d’Affaires

Members of the Filipino community with CDA Bañares

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Indhira C. Bañares cited “Quezon's Game” to be "a compelling story of a Philippine President who valued above all the sanctity of human life and rallied the Filipino people to speak to power only the truth – the truth that regardless of religion, race or gender, every human deserves the right to live.” She also added, “When countries closed their borders, President Manuel L. Quezon opened the doors of the Philippines to Jewish refugees. Despite odds, the Philippines welcomed more than a thousand Jewish refugees mostly from Germany and Austria, and a number from Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary, among others.” Chargé d’Affaires Bañares said that the Philippines could have welcomed more refugees had it not been for another war that came

The "Open Doors" Monument in Rishon LeZion, Israel

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Quezon’s Game Directed by Matthew Rosen

L-R Chargé d'Affaires Indhira C. Bañares welcomes the diplomatic corps & general public to the

screening; with her, Czech translator Ms. Irina Hovhanissyan of the Embassy’s Consular Section Labor unit

“Quezon’s Game” is set in 1938 where Philippine President Manuel Quezon, future U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, and several other notable figures set out to rescue Jewish refugees from the ghettos of Germany and Austria to save them from the Nazis.

What seems within their power at first, turns out to be fraught with astronomical obstacles. On top of this, Quezon must battle a relapse of tuberculosis.

In his final days, Quezon asks the question “Could I have done more?” Before recollecting one of the least known, but most uplifting stories in Philippine history.

(Philippines 2019, Matthew Rosen, 126 minutes)

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to its own shores.

Filipinos who came to see the movie - myself included - were touched by the story of President Quezon and are extremely proud of what the Philippines had done at a time of great need. When I asked my husband - who is a history buff - what he thought of the movie, he mentioned that the film was a good medium to relay the most significant event in 20th century European history and how countries such as the Philippines opened its doors to refugees of the biggest crime in human history — the Holocaust.

The ending credits of the film featured some of the Jewish Holocaust survivors. The audience also caught a glimpse of the “Open Doors” monument in the Holocaust Memorial park in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

The monument was built to honor President Manuel Quezon and the Filipino nation for its open door policy, enabling the Philippines to be a safe haven for Jews fleeing the Nazi regime. The monument stands as

a testament to the close friendship between Filipinos and the Jewish people. My family and I were fortunate to visit the “Open Doors” monument during our pilgrimage to the Holy Land earlier in May. Had I seen this film before our pilgrimage visit, the vision of the door would have been extra meaningful for me. I would have stood more proud and honoured for my country and the Filipino nation that displayed the best of humanity in the midst of animosity.

Congratulations to the Philippine Embassy on a successful screening of “Quezon’s Game”, and to the participating ASEAN+3 countries. Since the ASEAN Film Festival’s inception in 2012, the annual event showcases selected films with the aim of further promoting ASEAN - now ASEAN+3 in the Czech Republic. \I am delighted to see how the film festival has progressed over the years, and I certainly look forward to the next film festival!

Roots&Wings

FRANCE

Catching Up with Ryan Arbilo Text by Donna Künzler

R

yan Arbilo is a photographic artist based in Paris, France.

His work “Chicken Hands” gained him wide recognition and started his passion for capturing photos highlighting the plight and might of Filipinos in a diaspora.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Ryan after almost a year since I missed attending the prestigious fashion show in Paris by a renowned Filipino designer which he covered. In our conversation, Ryan shares what he has been up to since he was last featured by Rawmags in 2018 and what we can expect from him in the future.

It has been a few years since Rawmags featured you. Please tell us, what has happened since then?

In 2019 up until early 2020, I was able to hold exhibits on my “Chicken Hands” and “Halo-halo” series in various places: at the Yuchengco Museum in the Philippines, at the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, at the Galerie Stéphane Mortier in Paris, Galerie Depardieu in Nice, and finally at the IESA Arts and Business School in Paris, curated by the well-known French gallerist Sylvana Lorenz.

At the height of the pandemic, 7 other fellow artists and I came together to form Pinta Ayuda. Our main goal was to help our kaba-

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"ExodeS" brings together 85 artists from the Mediterranean basin and the international art scene, emerging or confirmed who are the salt of our time. “ - From the website of the City of Saint Raphael (https://www.ville-saintraphael.fr/exodes).

Among the exhibits that you have held or participated in, which is the most memorable for you and why?

The most unforgettable for me was when I held an exhibit at the most prestigious museum in Paris, La Maison Européenne de la Photographie (LAMEP) in 2016. I felt so proud to be the first Filipino who had a photo exhibit there.

How do you keep your creative juices flowing? Where do you find inspiration to do what you do?

I find my inspiration in the harsh conditions of my compatriots who have emigrated abroad to support their families. My mission as a Filipino artist is to bring them to light, those who live in the shadows and whom no one sees. It is an artist's work that I would call socio-political.

instagram: @Ryanarbilo711

www.ryanarbilo.com 24

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bayans in Paris, especially the elderly, who were in desperate need. We organized art auctions and used the proceeds to buy food and other necessities.

Then, after the confinement that lasted in France from mid 2020 to mid 2022, the return to normalcy finally took place with the invitation of curator Simone Dibo Cohen to participate in the exhibition "ExodeS.” The exhibit ran from [July 1st to September 30th, 2022] in the French city of Saint Raphael.

In the rooms of the town hall of honor, Les asphodèles, I am currently exhibiting about ten photographs from the series "Chicken Hands" (2014) as well as another ten photographs in another room, from the series "Halo-Halo-Mix-Mix", (2019).

What is keeping you busy at the moment? What can we expect from you in the next few months?

I am currently working on a piece that is close to my heart. It’s still untitled, but it will be a canvas of about 4 x 10 meters and will be composed of several floor cloths sewn together on which will be printed the black marks of the hands of Filipino cleaning women whose work tool it is.

What does your work stand for as an artist?

My work is a political act of denouncing the social injustice in the Philippines that forces my compatriots to leave their country and their families. I would like to change this by raising the awareness of the leaders who alone can improve the economic situation of our wonderful country.

Roots&Wings

Members of the Filipino community in Prague (seated Left to Right) Philippine Space Agency Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D., NASA-Earth Sciences Division Senior Scientist Josefino C. Comiso, Ph.D., and Chargé d’affaires Indhira C. Bañares­­−PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY

CZECH REPUBLIC

An Afternoon introducing the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in Prague Text by Rebecca Urbančík Garcia

I

had the pleasure of attending an introductory town hall meeting to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), hosted by the Philippine Embassy at Kavarna U Zvonu of the Stone Bell House in Prague on 18 September 2022. Members of the Filipino community in Prague warmly welcomed Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology, Gay Jane P. Perez and Roots&Wings

NASA-Earth Sciences Division Senior Scientist Josefino C. Comiso, Ph.D., expressing their interest and support of PhilSA’s programs and activities.

Dr. Perez was in Prague to attend the First Joint Council and Presidents’ Meeting of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. The two-day meeting took place at the Czech Technical University (CTU).

So what is PhilSA? The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space and technology applications. It was created under Republic Act. No. 11363 or the Philippine Space Act. PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President, for policy and program coordination - ensuring alignment in national policies and priorities.

During the town hall meeting, Dr. Perez presented the structure and mission of PhilSA as well as the developments in the agency’s space science and technology applications. Some of the key development areas include: National Security & Development and Hazard Management & Climate Studies through Space Data Mobilization - Using space technologies, PhilSA contributes to the surveillance, assessment, and monitoring of national security areas. PhilSA also monitors natural resources, air and water quality through integrated satellite-derived and ground-based data.

Space Research & Development and Space Industry & Capacity Building through the B3iS (Build, Build, Build in Space) Program B3iS supports PhilSA’s mandate on space research and development and space industry capacity building, such as satellite development, missions, and the introduc-

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tion of Non-Geostationary Satellite (NGS) Constellations Test Deployments to improve communications networks (internet services, etc.) This project in collaboration with NGS operators demonstrates significant advancements in satellites and their internet services, allowing communities in remote areas better access to the Internet - bridging the digital divide in the country.

Space Education & Awareness Program (SEAP) PhilSA aims to further promote and enhance the understanding of space information infrastructures and their applications.

International Cooperation NASA-Earth Sciences Division Senior Scientist, Dr. Comiso, also shared his knowledge and experience on outer space with a particular focus on the results of 26

Culture

his research on climate change, which is particularly useful in addressing environmental challenges.

It was a truly an interesting afternoon hearing about the Philippine Space Agency firsthand as well as their efforts to promote and sustain a robust Philippine space ecosystem. The efforts / work placed in this institution is a reaffirmation of the high standard and excellence of our Filipino countrymen — they make our country proud.

Thank you again to Chargé d’Affaires, Indhira C. Bañares, Ms. Glea Saunar and the Philippine Embassy team for the invitation. Special thanks as well to Dr. Perez and Dr. Comiso for their insight.

If you're interested in getting involved in PhilSA’s programs and activities, visit www.philsa.gov.ph, or send an email to info@philsa.gov.ph. #JoinTheMission Roots&Wings

AUSTRIA

Halamanan sa Barangay Center Text by Anton Miguel De Vera Images by Anton Miguel & Bernie De Vera

O

n a cool summer day, before closing the period of my summer vacation, I was asked to buy Dahon ng Amplaya (bitter gourd leaves) to go with the Suam na Mais, a Filipino soup dish filled with corn, the ampalaya leaves, and some pork. Not too far from home is a Filipino-owned community farm in Otto-Webergasse, at the corner of Naufahrtgasse, 22nd District of Vienna. Whenever I go to school and back on board the 93A Bus going to Aspernstraße, I'd pass by the Barangay Center farm but I have never really checked out the place myself.

With this opportunity, I decided to water two plants with one hose. Why not interview the people behind the Barangay Center and get some vegetables on the way out? So I met up with Cristina Unlayao, Chairperson of the Barangay Center in Austria. We spoke about the events before founding the Barangay Center, in a mix of Tagalog, German, and English (TaGeLish?).

Together with her husband and children, Cristina Unlayao migrated Roots&Wings

to Austria in 1989.Ever since, she has been helping compatriots here in Vienna in whatever way she can with all the knowledge and resources available to her.

As a result, Cristina wanted to make a social place for all-Filipinos and locals alike.

With like-minded and like-hearted Filipinos, the vision of a social community center for Filipinos crystallized - a social place for all-Filipinos to gather and enjoy each others' company: inter-regional, inter-faith and charity-based.

Founded in 2011, the Barangay Center Philippinisches Gemeinde Zentrum was established with the purpose of creating a social community center for Filipinos and assisting Filipinos-in-need in Austria and in the Philippines.

So how and why did the Barangay Center turn out to be a farm, you may ask?

In 2016, after seeing the vast potential of a community garden for the organization (based on Cristina's experience

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Roots&Wings

1

Establish a usiness plan

Before you get too far down the road, develop a business plan. It should state your mission, define your target audience, identify opportunities, set deadlines for each milestone, establish measurable goals, and help you identify risks. When it comes to risks, you as an entrepreneur should be able to tell which risks to take and which not to. Taking risks can be instrumental for success as it creates new opportunities and new strategies that competitors have not explored yet.

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Behind every successful business is a reliable and competent team. To achieve your goals, you should build your staff with smart, talented, and purpose-driven employees who share or understand your vision. They can not only transform your business but also accelerate its growth. Hiring positive, can-do employees helps create a culture that encourages teamwork. Foster an environment where everyone participates, so you can celebrate your company's successes.

Get a Maxicare SME Healthcare Plan for your employees

Starting a business may cost more than anticipated, so it’s vital to keep your fixed expenses low at the start. Focus on generating revenue and stick to your budget. Prepare for the unexpected by allocating part of your revenue to an emergency fund. Ensure that you have health insurance for you and your team.

This can help cover any sudden out-ofpocket medical expenses.

3

Find a healthy worklife balance

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Surround yourself with the right people

5

Be financially prepared

Your personal wellness is as important as your business. Running a business requires a huge chunk of your time and energy. For entrepreneurs, achieving a sustainable work-life balance can be challenging. You may find yourself caught in a web of unending deliverables. Be decisive and take a break every now and then and make sure you get enough rest. Remember that your business thrives only if you do.

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SMART WAYS TO START LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

Every business deserves the best of care – this can only happen when you and your employees are well taken care of.

With Maxicare’s SME Healthcare Plans, entrepreneurs no longer need to choose between their business’ profitability and their employees’ well-being. Employers now have the opportunity to provide healthcare that suits their employees’ needs and matches their current financial capabilities. Your employees will have expansive coverage, including access to inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and preventive care. They also get dental coverage, wellness programs, annual check-ups, and more! Indeed, #GrowthStartsWithCare.

Want to learn more about Maxicare’s SME Healthcare Plans? Visit Maxicare at www.maxicare.com.ph/maxicare-plans/ sme-healthcare-plans.

Rawmags Media Partner

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of starting a family garden with the LoBauer:innen organization) the Barangay Center decided to lease 2,500 sq. meters of land from the umbrella organization Kleine Stadt Farm in Vienna.

It painstakingly converted the land with an L-shaped parameter into a community farm filled with typical Filipino crops like okra, kangkong, ampalaya, upo, and many more.

Through word of mouth and social media, it has been able to inspire garden novices as well as experienced ones, families with children, old and young, to support each other and work together. A core group keeps an eye on the garden as a whole, including the division of labor and finances.

There are now around 35 families who see the garden as nourishment for the body, mind and soul.

The Halamanan has a track record of helping others in-need especially for our kababayans in the Philippines. It offers meaningful and fruitful leisure activities on a day-to-day basis with a multicultural "extended family".

On top of that, it raises funds through summer festivals, harvest festivals and other events to support self-help projects and post-calamity rebuilding projects such as: • An extracurricular encounter and nutrition project for children in the slums of the Philippine capital Manila (2015-2018) • A school program on agriculture and livelihood 30

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development for indigenous children in Mindanao displaced from their homes by the government and big corporations (2018-2019) • A nutritional education and feeding program for the benefit of children in Panay (2019-2021) • Food packs for those affected by Typhoon Odette last December 2021 and to help rebuild lives, proceeds from the 2022 fundraisers have been earmarked to finance the making of a bangka (boat) with complete equipment like flashlights, boots, and nets.

The members of the Halamanan community garden are indeed happy that they are doing more than "just" gardening together. They are part of a garden that is helping in many ways!

The Barangay Center has even more to give in the future, with the participation of younger generations alongside pensioners in developing the Halamanan in the spirit of bayanihan.

From an author's perspective, I think the farm provides a good foundation for Filipinos of all-ages to gather and kwento (to tell stories/to talk to each other) outside the busy city life.

A place where you can get closer to nature and find Filipino crops in Austria. The farm itself gives a warm and homey feeling when entering it. It really feels as if you arrived in the Philippines in the middle of the Austrian country-side. I look forward to visiting the farm once again when spring or summer comes around.

Roots&Wings

SWITZERLAND

Celebrating Feast of God the Father in Zürich Text and images by Betsy von Atzigen

F

ilipinos in Europe are a close-knit community of religious believers, culturally, linguistically, and familiarly bound to come together wherever they may be.

Should you wish to meet a community of Filipinos in a new city or town, come to a church gathering. There, individuals and families bond in celebration of a church feast, or a patron saint, owing to hundreds of years of Spanish Catholic influence, making the Filipinos at home or abroad celebrate religious or cultural festivities in big numbers

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to this day.

In Winterthur, Canton Zürich, Switzerland the feast of God the Father was introduced some years ago.

This devotion has been entrusted to the care of Fajosas (Fanny) Sacobos and family of Iriga, Camarines Sur, Philippines.

Every first Sunday in August is the designated Feast of God the Father.

A novena in preparation for the feast starts 9 days prior. The community moves from place to place to pray the novena together, offers prayer intentions and joins

at table in fellowship.

It all started in a series of private revelations in 2006 when Fanny was given a series of messages to honour the Father by building him a church in Iriga which she and her family did, to give Him place in the daily practices of piety, to thank Him who loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that all men might be brought together in the Mystical Body of Christ and, together with this Son, become His children.

This devotion rightly gives thanks to the most loving and generous of fathers.

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PHILIPPINES

100 Miracles of the Blessed Mother Book Launch in the Philippines Text by Myra Nograles, images by Vicky Araneta & Marizel Arambulo

I

t was a bright first day of October morning that greeted us legionaries, parish staff and guests. Today we were gathered for a special book launch event in commemoration of the 100th year of the Legion of Mary established in Dublin, Ireland by Frank Duff. The book’s title said it all “100 Miracles Of Our Blessed Mother”. This book was published, co-authored and edited by Elizabeth (Betsy) Jance von Atzigen.

Betsy is the elected president of the Legion of Mary, Zurich Comitium in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, correspondent for the Legion Curia in Bergen, Norway and president of the Legion Praesidium in Wil, Canton St. Gallen.

Present in the event were six co-authors who shared with us firsthand their life stories and miracles as published in the book.

To make the event possible, the program was sponsored by two Praesidia – the Legion of Mary (LOM) of the Miraculous Medal and the Legion of Mary of the Mother of the Holy Eucharist of the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish (SAMLP) in Magallanes, Makati City. Ms. Gilette Yupangco was the over-all LOM program coordinator and Ms. Margie Ramos, a member of the LOM of the Mother of the Holy Eucharist was 32

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Who is She that comes forth as the morning rising fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?

the program emcee. Ms. Novette Sto. Domingo acting president of the LOM of the Miraculous Medal Praesidia opened the program with a welcome speech to honor the guests. Among the guests were Legionaries from the Praesidiums of Mother of Christ and Mystical Rose of Parañaque City.

The invocation was given by Ms Ibet Medalla vice president of the LOM Mother of the Holy Eucharist.

Present also were Mr. Tony Narciso head of the SAMLP Parish Pastoral Council who gave the closing message, Ms. Remedios Moreno Head of the Ministry of Greeters, Collectors, Rev Monsignor Claro Matt Garcia, parish priest of St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish.

A special guest was Gen Edgardo Aglipay who accompanied his wife Mrs Marinette Yan Aglipay, one of the six featured co-authors.

Ms Betsy Jance von Atzigen gave a short background of the book and the Legion of Mary organization in a video message.

This was followed by an inspirational message by SAMLP parish priest Rev Monsignor Claro Matt Garcia. He spoke about his previous pilgrimage to Ireland where he was fortunate to visit the place of Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary worldwide that now has a membership of 10 million legionaries. Amazing! The message was loud and clear. In the words of St Maximillan Kolbe “never be afraid Roots&Wings

of loving Mother Mary too much because you can never love her more than Jesus did.”

Gen Edgardo Aglipay had also a long sharing on his own devotion to our Blessed Mother since he was young, about how he and his wife met, dated, married and raised a family.

What is compelling about the book is that it gives a face to the “humanness” of humanity. Man in his direst of circumstances, believer, or non-believer, will always call out to the “universe” to his one true omnipotent God to help him.

Our Almighty Father in his great Roots&Wings

wisdom and mercy does not fail him. He sends help in the way that He thinks is most fit and appropriate to the occasion. He sends us his Mother!!

Our Blessed Mother who cannot refuse her children, who has a soft spot for her priests, her legionaries and her devotees is ever ready & present to run to our assistance. Hers is the “real” face of all the stories. The intimate relationship with our Blessed Mother shown in all co-authors’ testimonies are the real miracles of the book.

It is the love and compassion

of our Blessed Mother that is the common weave in all the stories.

There is no miracle too great or too insignificant that She will not acquiescence to. Let us therefore allow the stories in the 100 Miracles of the Blessed Mother to inspire us all to call on our Blessed Mother who waits in eternity in the wings of life for us. “Pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

A complimentary book inEnglish or German may be obtained from elizabeth.vo n a t z i g en@ gmail.com. Contribution towards the publication and shipping costs is appreciated.

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AUSTRIA

Working as an IVF nurse and artist makes one more empathetic Text & images by Lisa Ante Pangan

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nfertility has become less and less of a taboo in recent years. Nevertheless, for the affected couples, talking about the situation can be very difficult as it is a very intimate topic no one wants to discuss openly about. Although sexual education is part of the curriculum in schools, in practice there is hardly any "fertility awareness" among many young people.

Knowledge about women's menstrual cycle and the daily hormone cycle of men is little.

Fertility disorders are very common as infertility affects about one of six couples. Affected women suffer from diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, tubal disorders, or other medical problems. In recent years, a decrease in sperm quality has also been observed, which is often attributed to the unhealthy lifestyle of men.

According to the definition of the World Health Organization, after twelve months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse without the occurrence of a pregnancy, there is an involuntary childlessness.

At this stage it is already recommended to look for medical support. The peak of the reproductive years of a woman is between her late teens and late 20s.

By the age of 30, the ability to get pregnant starts to decline and by the age of 35, the chances of achiev34

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ing a pregnancy become much lower. Many couples frequently underestimate this in their family planning and overestimate the success rate in fertility treatment like in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Sometimes they have to go through many attempts to conceive, eventually resulting in a live birth because the pregnancy rate is 2025% per attempt and is closely age related.

Undergoing fertility treatment is time-consuming, emotional and financially costly for the affected couples. Despite the various offered options, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most complex treatment in reproductive medicine.

Working as a Filipino IVF nurse and being an artist at the same time My career started in nursing in one of the leading IVF centers in Austria. In some countries, in addition to the qualification as a nurse, an IVF-nurse is expected to have in-depth training. In Austria, this is not yet necessary. Nevertheless, I received an international certification from The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology [1], became an academically certified nursing counselor after I studied a special program at the University for Continuing Education in Krems. After a few years, I got certified as a Medically Assisted Reproduction nurse, having worked as a lead nurse in the field for almost Roots&Wings

Life is a gift

EmbryoArt

10 years. I've now been working at an IVF institute in Vienna [2] for almost 15 years.

I'm not sure how much of my being Filipino influences my work at the IVF institute. I followed my mother's footsteps. She came to Vienna as one of the first Filipino nurses in the 1970s. My parents are both Filipino; they built a life with their small family in this foreign country. The big family was the Filipino community that grew larger in the following years. There were so many cultural misunderstandings and confusions for me while growing up between two cultures.

In the past, I've been through many difficulties. I have learned to become more empathetic. This skill is very helpful at work as an IVF nurse, where the subject is very sensitive - not only for the patients, but also for my co-workers. IVF is associated with a roller coaster of emotions, and that affects the individual staff members as well. As a leader and a nurse, I am there to guide through the emotions in a mindful and appreciative way.

Many of these emotions influence my paintings.

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One part of my artworks includes EmbryoArt. Some show the classic representation of embryos and others a different interpretation of them hidden in a water bowl full of flowers. The purpose of my EmbryoArt is to give affected couples something back. I want to pay tribute to their IVF journey as many were also not successful in IVF and lost their child. This is a very painful experience. An implanted embryo represents life and energy. Thus, even a deceased child was alive for a short time and had its place in this world. With my artwork I would like to show that this embryo lived. Perhaps this supports some parents to cope with their experienced loss as affected couples are not recognizable. They don't show themselves and discuss their infertility in public because the topic is related with shame. "I'm sending my daughter to you at the institute. I want to be a grandma soon."

In the Austrian-Filipino community, I experience that there is still a lot of pressure on some couples (especially after marriage) regarding family planning. It feels like everyone is asking about it, as if the only thing to do after getting married is to immediately bring children into the world. [Having children] is a naturally chosen topic of conversation in every family celebration, community gatherings and even after church mass — without considering that this causes a lot of stress for the affected couple. Awareness has not yet arrived in Filipino communities. Sometimes I even find myself in the most bizarre situations, where people shout across the room: "My daughter is not having children. I'm sending her to you at the Institute. I want to become a grandmother so much."

If the topic of sexuality is seen as a taboo, I'm surprised that people don't seem to have a problem directly addressing someone's infertility. It's considered as small talk, only meant nicely to show interest in someone. However, it isn't. It is an intimate topic and only the couple decides when to talk about it and with whom, whether they want to get help or not - and above all, in what form.

Questions about one's family planning could be perceived as very painful and seen as insensitive. I want to create awareness for these couples, who probably came from a long and intense fertility journey until they have decided to remain childless.

References: [1] https://www.eshre.eu/Accreditation-and-Certification/Nurses-Midwives-Certification [2] https://www.kinderwunschzentrum.at/blog/kategorie/patienteninfo Instagram: lisaantevienna

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Roots&Wings Jobs 37 Roots & Wings is grateful to IDC ITALPINAS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, sponsor of Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Program.

Directory of Philippine Embassies in Europe Roots & Wings e-Publications have been making an impact on the Euro-Filipino community in the last dozen years by promoting Filipino culture, art, entrepreneurship, outstanding Filipinos in various fields, community events and providing current contacts to diplomatic missions within Europe. See list here.

AUSTRIA

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Federal Republic of Germany

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425

Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220 Vienna, Austria

Assistance to Nationals (+49) (0) 151 5354 6841

FINLAND

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Embassy of the Philippines, Greater Helsinki

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Vice Consul, ad honorem Mdme. Teresita

PHinFrankfurt/

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Zurbano Ruutu

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

Ukonkivenpolku 3e, Fi-01610 Vantaa, Finland

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Tel (+358) 407 071 817 EMAIL: TERESITA.RUUTU@SAUNALAHTI.FI

BELGIUM Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels

GREECE Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

FRANCE

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

Athens, Greece

Tel (+32-2) 34033-77 to 78

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

45 Rue du Ranelagh

(+30210) 672-1883

Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

75016 Paris, France

672-1837

brusselspe@gmail.com

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921,

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

(+331) 4414-5700 4414-5701/2 (Consular)

(+30-697) 968-2921

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Emergency (+336) 2059-2515 (+336) 2059-2515

Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph

ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

CZECH REPUBLIC

parispe.dfa@gmail.com

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

Facebook: @PHinFrance

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ombra T. Jainal

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00 Czech Republic

HUNGARY Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

GERMANY

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58

Tel (+420) 224-216397

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

Budapest, Hungary

(+420) 224-216397 /

H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

224-216385

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Federal Republic of Germany

phbuda@philembassy.hu

Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

Facebook: @PHLinHungary

praguepe@gmail.com

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

Email: info@philippine-embassy.de, consular@

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

philippine-embassy.de

DENMARK

ISRAEL

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

PHinGermany

H.E. Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

No. 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel-Aviv, 62260 Israel

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

Tel (+9723) 601-0500 (+9723) 601-0500

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Westend Carree

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

Copenhagen, Denmark

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

(+972-54) 466-1188

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Community Service

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Email: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

H.E. Consul Raul Dado

filembis@netvision.net.il

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Charge d’ affaires, ad interim

WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL

Mobile +46 702 735 407,

PORTUGAL ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

+63 9054039435 (Viber) EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco

Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar

Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114

1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne

00136 Rome, Italy

Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276;

Chargé d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante

Tel (+3906) 3974-6621 (+3906) 3974-6621

216-083-277

Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75

Emergency (+39) 328-690-7613

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257

3005 Berne, Switzerland

(+39) 328-690-7613

E-mail: lisbon.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph

lisbon.pe@gmail.com

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992

romepe2007@gmail.com

WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

info@philembassyberne.ch

RUSSIAN FEDERATION THE NETHERLANDS

SWITZERLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES,

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta

THE HAGUE

Karmanitsky Pereulok 8

Permanent Representative

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya

Building 1, 121099

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia

(incoming)

Moscow, Russian Federation

47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva

Tel (+31) 70360-4820

Tel (+7-499) 241-0563; 241-0564; 241-0565)

Switzerland

Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079

Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+41-22) 716-1930

Email: thehague.pe@dfa.gov.ph / thehague@

moscowpe@mailfrom.ru

Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114

philembassy.nl

Facebook: Philembassy Moscow

Email: geneva.pm@dfa.gov.ph / genevapm49@

Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

gmail.com genevapm.dfa.gov.ph

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

SPAIN NORWAY

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos

Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery)

Embassy of the Philippines, London

Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway

Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain

H.E. Ambassador Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo

P.O. Box 1758 VIKA N-0122 Oslo, Norway

(Consular Section)

6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

(+47) 224-00900 (+47) 224-00900

Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451-

United Kingdom of Great Britain

Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

734 (Consular Section)

Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

Emergency (+34) 616-491-861

Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

madridpe@yahoo.com

embassy@philemb.co.uk

Consular: info@philembassymadrid.

Facebook: @PHLinUK

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

com / consular@philembassymadrid.com

WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h

Facebook: @PHinSpain

Skógarsel 39

www.philembassymadrid.com

109 Reykjavik, Iceland

WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

ICELAND

Tel (+354) 897 5391

VATICAN, ITALY Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan

Consulate General Barcelona

Charge d’ Affaires

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy

Rambla de Catalunya 33, Planta Principal 08007

Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

Barcelona, Spain

Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz

+34 938 28 83 12

vaticanpe2@gmail.com

Ul. Lentza 11, 02-956 Warsaw, Republic of Poland

BARCELONAPCG.CONSULAR@DFA.GOV.PH

https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/our-

EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

POLAND

foreign-service-posts-dfa

Tel +48 22 490 2025 and +48 694 491 664 Emergency +48 604 357 396 Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

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SWEDEN

WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm

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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PHILIPPINES

Brigada of the Parents of our Learners

As the families of our learners’ counterpart contribution for the free home study boarding school of their children, the Laura Vicuña Center – Palawan welcomed the voluntary services of their parents which we call “gulpemano or brigade”. Before the opening of the school, the fathers & big brothers of our resident-learners repaired the termite-infested double deck beds of the female resident-learners, the toilets, the basketball goal, and the clearing of the perimeter areas of the Center.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A Letter of Gratitude to Mr. Victor Cantal from Sr. Catherine Urgello of Laura Vicuña Center To Mr. Victor Cantal c/o Ms. Becky Torres of the RW Social Entrepreneurship Team Greetings of peace!

As a community of the Laura Vicũna Center Palawan, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, for reaching out to us despite our being in a remote area. Thank you for sharing your blessings to support our residential, home study, and farm programs. May your generosity be blessed with all the graces you need as you continue to support those who are in need, especially the poor young people.

God bless you!

Sincerely yours,

Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA

HOME STUDY PROGRAM Completion Ceremony of YS 11 Learners

On June 4, 2022, nineteen of the learners graduated from junior high school under the REAP Program of UST Angelicum College with the theme "Persistence, Determination, and Excellence Amidst Adversities." The entire LVF Palawan community, headed by Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA, and FMA Sisters, wish congratulations to all those who completed and to the parents who were extremely supportive and loving all throughout their journey in the Center. They attended the virtual completion rites together with their parents at the Laura Vicuna Center and some of the members of the community.

FARM PROGRAM

Graduation of the 6th batch of the Organic Agricultural Program NC II The 14 Trainees of the Organic Agriculture Production NC II successfully graduated last July 14, 2022, after the rigorous 29 days (232 hours) training. The occasion was graced by the presence of Hon. Roy Ventura (Deputy Mayor of Puerto Princesa City), & Ms. Rebecca Edano (TESDA Representative).

Part of the purchase Victor Cantal's "Art for a Cause" sends Filipino students to Laura Vicuña vocational/technical schools in Palawan and Negros Occidental, Philippines.

For more details, e-mail Becky Torres or Marizel Arambulo, Roots & Wings Social Entrepreneurship Program Team: rawmags.sponsor@gmail.com

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PHILIPPINES

QUEZON PROVINCE Text & Images by Ramon Rodolfo R. Zabella

Q

uezon Province is the mother of famous nationalists like Manuel L. Quezon, Lorenzo M. Taňada and Claro M. Recto. But there is another son of the province whose greatness was rediscovered only more than a century and a half after his death. He was Apolinario dela Cruz, a.k.a., Hermano Puli.

Three decades before Fathers Burgos and Zamora, Hermano Puli was already fighting for equality for native priests. Aside from Fr. Mariano Gomes, Puli might have influenced the younger priests of

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the martyred trio.

Nevertheless, aside from producing great men, the province is also famous for its festivals.

Lucena has its Pasayahan, a month-long revelry every May. Lucban has its Pahiyas while Gumaca has Araňa’t Baluarte, both held on May 15 in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers.

And because the Quezonians love to eat, they have produced some of the most delectable cuisine in the country. The town of Lucban leads in this category. Its longganisa, pancit habhab and kinulob na

kalabaw are peerless. Tayabas has budin (cassava cake) and Yema cake. Lucena has Chami.

Atanauan has tapa.

The province has a long history, even predating the arrival of the Spaniards. The first provincial capital, Kalilayan, now known as Unisan, was established in the 1520s, four decades ahead of Legaspi’s founding of Manila in 1565. At the time, the province was also known as Kalilayan. In 1749, due to persistent pirate raids on the seaside town, the capital was moved inland to the town

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of Tayabas which is nestled on the foothills of the majestic Mt. Banahaw.

During the Spanish era, only 8 cities and towns were given the title of Noble Villa, and Tayabas was one of them, even dubbed as Muy Noble Villa. These are Cebu (1565), Libon, Albay (1573), Vigan (1574), Arevalo, Iloilo (1581), Pila, Laguna (1610), Tayabas (1703), Bacolor, Pampanga (1765) and Lipa (1887).

Tayabas is also the location of the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel—the longest nave in Spanish era churches in the Philippines, and an underground tunnel connecting the church to the municipio.

In the late 1870s, after the pirate raids had receded, a new coastal town was born from the bosoms of Tayabas and Sariaya.

It was named Lucena, after the Spanish village from where Fr. 42

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Mariano Granja—its founder and first parish priest—came from.

To digress a little, the Spanish village of Lucena was also mentioned as the staging point for King Ferdinand of Aragon’s assault on the last Muslim stronghold in Spain in 1492 and, in Voltaire’s Candide.

The new Lucena would grow fast and would soon outstrip its mother Tayabas due to the introduction of the ferrocaril or railways system.

In 1901, with the blessing of then Governor General William Howard Taft, the capital was transferred to Lucena.

Though never the province’s capital, Sariaya is known as the heritage center of the province.

This is due mainly to the stately mansions that abound in the town.

During the 1910s and 1920s, when unrestricted export of coconut products to the United States was allowed, the elite

of the town travelled the world and built stately homes modeled after European villas.

The province, which until the 1970s was the number 1 producer of coconut products, maintained its status as one of the richest provinces in the country. A century earlier, in one of Lola Basyang’s tales, the province was described as “ang labis na nakaririwasang lalawigan ng Tayabas.”

For sun lovers, Mauban and Padre Burgos offer pristine white sand beaches. There are also the beaches of Jomalig and other island municipalities near Polillo. For mountain trekkers and travelers, Dolores, Tayabas, Sariaya and Lucban all have their best view of the mystical Mt. Banahaw.

If you want to enjoy a cool tropical climate away from the traffic jam and other stressful activities in the metropolis, Quezon Province is for you.

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No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.— John Donne

WHY IS AUTUMN SO BEAUTIFUL? Poetry by Betsy von Atzigen and Image by Fredi Brunner I murmured to myself as I sat next to a stretched glass window, watching yellowing leaves dance to the swirling, swaying wind...

Why is autumn so beautiful?

Autumn mesmerises with its cooler, crisp temperatures and a spectacular yellow, orange, red, and browning foliage inviting any age to spend time in nature.

What could autumn’s prize be?

Look! the aurora polaris are all prepped and primed to infatuate and enamour all from far-flung and close at hand.

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Where are autumn’s polar lights?

Marvel north at the aurora borealis, gasp south at the aurora australis performing adroitly, nimbly, phenomenally at nature’s prized pageantry.

How do I chase ‘em?

Go! catch those vivid images of swirling flames of greenish blue lights, moving, dancing, astronomically drawing shafts of coloured lights from a clear scandinavian sky evening.

And why is autumn so beautiful?

Awe-inspiring autumn takes us out into nature, into ourselves, allows scaling of life’s priorities afresh, making time for things that matter, those we hold dear.

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NORWAY

Autumn in Finnmark Text by Joseph Bantolo, Kirkenes, Norway Images by Joseph Bantolo and Wendy Hansen, from Hammerfest

Leafless nature embraces beauty by Wendy Hansen in Hammerfest, Finnmark

N

ature expresses itself through the beautiful colours of photography that can only be realized in autumn. The silhouette and colourful expressions of scenic views are indescribable, leaving a unique and unforgettable feeling of pride and gratitude for the beautiful divine creations.

Finnmark is Norway's northernmost and easternmost county, established in 1576 with an area of 48,618 square km. It was merged with neighboiring county Tromsø in January 2020, but the regional parliament decided that to demerge in January 2024.

It is largest by area and least populated county in Norway with 75,540

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inhabitants. It is part of the Barents region where east and west meet. Vardø is the easternmost town or municipality, located farther east than the cities of Saint Petersburg and Istanbul.

Finnmark is divided into East and the West. Kinnaroden on the Nordkinn Peninsula in Lebesby Municipality is the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Hammerfest is the northernmost city in Norway and the world, with over 5,000 inhabitants, but North Cape (Nordkapp), further north in the town of Hønnigsvåg is also claimed as the northernmost town in Norway.

Sør-Varanger is the only Norwegian municipality that shares border land with Russia, located to the region’s Roots&Wings

Start of autumn with rainbow over the hills by Joseph Bantolo

southeast and bordering The Alta area and the northernmost city of the Tana valleys are the Finland. lushest parts of FinnFinnmark has a rich Autumn afternoon over the lake by Joseph Bantolo mark, and in the east is cultural heritage. The the lowland area in the Sami people are the Pasvik valley in Sør-Vaoriginal inhabitants of the region. They live in small ranger, where the pine and Siberian spruce forest is settlements scattered around the county, and live by considered part of the Russian taiga vegetation. Late fishing and reindeer herding. After the Samis. the summer and early autumn are the most enjoyable Finnish, Swedish, Russian, and other people from dif- times of the season for everyone. Many activities inferent countries migrated to Finnmark. This makes clude salmon fishing, bird hunting, moose hunting, Finnmark nowadays a melting pot of cultures and mountain hiking, mountain climbing, berries, and races. wild mushroom picking. This is the time of the year AUTUMN IN FINNMARK, has a different and when daylight become shorter, and the midnight unique feature and experiences than other regions sun period is ending. and counties of Norway. Finnmark has a total coastLate autumn is also a sky show for the famous aurora line of 6,844 kilometers, and the climate varies from borealis or the northern lights. This is the season when other areas with colder temperatures, even in the this natural phenomenon appears in the night skies. summer and autumn seasons. Autumn is sometimes Many tourists from different countries visit Finnmark the shortest season in the northern part of Nor- to experience and witness this magical light show. way. Finnmark has more valleys and fjords with low Welcome to Norway and please enjoy my photos! mountains and hills that many mountain hikers and enthusiasts climb and visit yearly. The highest point is in Loppa municipality on the western part of Fin- Editor’s note: nmark, but the central and eastern region is general- Joseph Bantolo photographs the Aurora Borealis. This hobby bely less mountainous than the part of the west. There came his passion for life as part of his advocacy to connect people are more valleys where vegetation is lower than the around the globe. For tips and information on how to come and tree line covered with small Downy birch trees. Finn- visit the Arctic regions of the Nordic countries, connect with Jomark’s nature varies from barren coastal areas facing seph at https://www.facebook.com/JBoreales2015 or follow this the Barents Sea. group https://www.facebook.com/groups/582378063023986 Roots&Wings

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Roots & Wings E-Magazine is grateful and proud to be sponsored by Hotel Celeste, Boracay.